Story Highlights

This year we've seen a lot of slightly updated camcorders with one or two new features and no substantial improvement to image quality or performance. However, the Sony HDR-PJ710V (MSRP $1,149) is one product that actually delivers. It is the most improved camcorder we have reviewed this year.

Last year's model, the CX700V, had weak low-light performance, meaning images would get grainy, dark and have poor color for indoor or evening shots. That has drastically improved, turning last year's biggest weakness into one of this year's greatest strengths. It also saw improvements in image stabilization, so you don't need to worry about camera shake as much.

There's also the built-in projector, which is probably the PJ710V's most unique feature. But compared to the improved low light and stabilization performance, the built-in projector isn't that noteworthy in our mind. Yeah, it's a fun feature to play around with at parties, but it's not a necessity, and we wish Sony would offer a projector-less camcorder with the same specs, and a cheaper price, than the PJ710V.

Sony didn't mess with the interface or controls on the PJ710V all that much, but it really didn't need to. The camcorder effortlessly combines automatic functions with a robust set of manual controls in order to appeal to beginners and pros alike, and that's something for which Sony is certainly developing a knack. The camcorder still includes our favorite features from last year, including 24p and 60p record modes, the ability to record both standard definition and HD video, and a physical dial for setting manual controls.

Sony isn't just giving the HDR-PJ710V away for free, so you have to decide if this better performance is worth the cash. With an initial launch price of $1,299, the camcorder has since dropped to $1,149 on Sony's website. For both amateurs and pros, the Sony HDR-PJ710V is just a great camcorder, period.